As part of the ongoing effort to improve pedestrian safety in the City of Toledo, the Toledo Police Department will be conducting a pedestrian safety enforcement operation that will focus on motorists who fail to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians.

The Department is conducting this public awareness and enforcement program to educate and encourage members of the community to develop and maintain safe practices while driving, walking and cycling throughout the City of Toledo.

The pedestrian safety enforcement operation will take place on August 22nd, 2017 at the intersection of Butler Bridge Road and South Main Street.

Officers from the Toledo Police Department dressed in plain clothes will be crossing the street while uniformed Officers monitor the crosswalk for motorists and pedestrians who fail to yield the right-of-way or who take unsafe or illegal actions. Drivers who are stopped during this safety operations will be issued warnings or citations.

Crosswalk enforcement actions are an effective way to communication pedestrian right-of-way laws to both drivers and pedestrians. The Police Department conduct enforcement operations in response to community requests and to educate the general public on the rules at marked and unmarked crossings. This pedestrian safety operation is another tool our department can utilize to improve traffic safety in our community.

The Toledo Police Department has been awarded two grants to assist with the cost of additional traffic enforcement during the 2017 Solar Eclipse weekend.

Oregon Impact’s grant of $1168.20 to conduct DUII enforcement from August 18th, 2017 to August 22nd, 2017. Oregon Impact’s goal is to provide education experiences and grants to end distracted and driving under the influence of impairment.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s award of $2500.00 allows the Toledo Police Department the ability to participate with partner law enforcement agencies across the nation in a concentrated effort to enforce seat belt law, specifically focused on the safety of children.

Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) crash data of 2015 shows a lack of seat belt or child restraints was the factor in 79 out 289 (35%) motor vehicle fatalities. ODOT estimates at least half the fatalities in 2015 (or 40 persons) were unbelted, and quite possibility could have been prevented if proper seat restraints were utilized. Additional data has shown, when used correctly, seatbelts could reduce the risk of major crash injuries or death at the rate of 65%.

The Toledo Police and Public Safety Department would like to remind its community and visitors to drive responsibly while the nation celebrates this once in a life time celestial event. Please ensure everyone’s safety by driving sober, without distractions, while wearing your seatbelts.